Ecologically friendly traction mat

ABSTRACT

A system and method of an operating surface for vehicles in a roadless area is provided. More specifically, a mat that provides a vehicle operating surface in a roadless area is provided. The mat includes pockets forming ridges with a predetermined orientation. A variety of materials may be positioned within the pockets to provide a predetermined thickness and rigidity to the pockets. The pockets of a first portion of the mat alternate with pockets of a second portion of the mat. In this manner, the mat may be folded for transport, handling, and storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/159,023 filed May 8, 2015,U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/244,500 filed Oct. 21,2015, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/159,033filed May 8, 2015 which are each incorporated herein in their entiretiesby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to mats fortemporary roads and access areas. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to mats that provide a temporary surface for vehiclesin a roadless area, such as a construction site.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles frequently operate in construction sites and must cross openfields to access work areas. Such areas rarely include adequate roadsthat can accommodate heavy equipment which causes several problems.Vehicles operating in roadless areas can damage top soil and vegetationwhich may require expensive remediation by the vehicle operator. Inaddition, heavy vehicles can create ruts and render areas moresusceptible to erosion. Vehicles can also be damaged when crossingroadless areas. For example, roadless areas may not provide a stablesurface for vehicles, increasing the risk of loads shifting withinvehicles or vehicles overturning. Vehicles may also become stuck whencrossing roadless areas due to lack of traction. In addition, vehiclesand vehicle tires may accumulate rocks, soil (or mud), and other foreignobjects in the roadless area. These foreign objects can damage thevehicles.

When the vehicle enters an improved road after operating in a roadlessarea, foreign objects that have accumulated on the vehicle can bedropped onto the road, which can be a hazard to other vehicles. Foreignobjects may also contribute to water contamination by migrating intodrainage systems and streams. Because of these and other problems, manysystems have been developed to provide temporary surfaces for vehiclesoperating in roadless areas.

One system of providing a temporary vehicle surface in a roadless areais described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0034652 bySanders, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Sanders describes the use of removable, pre-cast concrete planks.Several pre-cast planks are placed end-to-end to form a temporarydriveway. One obvious drawback is the pre-cast planks are heavy and mustbe lifted and positioned with a lifting rig. in addition, the rigidityof concrete planks may cause problems on uneven or unstable terrain,such as on uneven sand or soil. That is, when unevenly supported,concrete planks may tip back and forth. The planks may also fracture andbreak when installed over a depression.

Another system is described in PCT Publication No. WO 2007/072034 byMarsh, which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Marsh generally describes a ground cover mat comprising a first facespaced from a second face. First and second reinforcing components arepositioned between the first face and the second face and include aplurality of cavities. The reinforcing components provide stiffness tothe mat, but may prevent folding or rolling the mats for storage andtransport. Also, similar to the concrete planks described by Sanders,the stiff mat of Marsh may cause problems on uneven or unstable terrain.

Another system is a rubber access mat described in U.S. Patent No.8,039,082 by Fowler, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. The rubber access mat described by Fowler includes arigidifying grid of reinforcing wire embedded within a rubber slab. Therigidity of the rubber mats of Fowler may prevent folding or rolling ofthe mats when not in use. Accordingly, these mats may be difficult totransport and handle and may take up a large amount of storage space.

Due to these and other limitations associated with known systems andmethods, there is an unmet need for a temporary operating surface forvehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a temporary surface for vehicle use. Oneaspect of the present invention is to provide a temporary surface thatmay be folded for storage and transportation. In one embodiment, thetemporary surface may be folded along a median axis generally parallelto a length of the temporary surface. Optionally, the temporary surfacemay be rolled before or after it has been folded. Accordingly, in oneembodiment the temporary surface is sufficiently flexible for rollingalong one or more of a length and a width. In another aspect, thetemporary surface is comprised at least partially of a geo-textilematerial.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a temporarysurface including a plurality of ridges. The ridges comprise sleevesfilled with a separate material. The fill material is selected toprovide a predetermined level of stiffness and flexibility. In oneembodiment, the ridges comprise pockets filled at least partially with arubber material. The rubber material may be ground to a predeterminedsize to form a loose aggregate. In one embodiment, the rubber materialis loose fill. The ends of the ridges may be sewn closed to retain therubber material. Alternatively, a binding agent may be added to therubber material to form a contiguous or semi-contiguous rubber member.Optionally, the rubber material comprises a recycled tire rubber.

Alternatively, each pocket may be filled with at least one cylinder. Inone embodiment, each pocket is filled with an inner cylinder positionedwithin a bore of an outer cylinder. The outer cylinder may compriserubber or recycled rubber. The inner cylinder may comprise flexibletubing. Optionally, the inner cylinder may include a hollow bore.

Additionally, in another embodiment, the pockets may be at least one ofperpendicular and transverse to a longitudinal edge of the temporarysurface. The orientation of adjacent pockets may be the same ordifferent. Further, a first portion of the mat may have pockets that areperpendicular to one lateral edge and the second portion of the mat mayhave pockets angled relative to the second lateral edge.

One aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to provide atemporary surface comprising a mat. In one embodiment, the mat includesa first portion, a median portion, and a second portion. The firstportion and the second portion include a plurality of tubular pockets orsleeves. In one embodiment, the pockets are formed by selectivelyjoining a first sheet to a second sheet. The pockets may have anydesired length and cross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, thepockets have one of a generally circular and an ellipticalcross-sectional profile.

In one embodiment, the pockets are aligned substantially perpendicularto a lateral edge of the mat. Optionally, the pockets have a length thatis transverse to lateral edges of the mat. Alternatively, the length ofthe pockets may be substantially perpendicular to the lateral edges. Inanother embodiment, a length of first pockets of the first portion issubstantially parallel to a length of second pockets of the secondportion. In one embodiment, the first pockets alternate with the secondpockets. In some versions the pockets are not continuous along one ormore portions of the pocket length such that a portion of the fillmaterial is partially exposed when secured within the pocket. Stateotherwise, each pocket may be formed of two or more individual segmentsaligned axially.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first pockets are aligned at afirst angle with a first lateral edge of the mat. The second pockets arealigned at a second angle with the first lateral edge. Optionally, thefirst angle and the second angle are supplementary angles that add up toabout 180°. Accordingly, when the mat is folded along a length of themedian portion generally parallel to the first lateral edge, the firstpockets and the second pockets will at least partially intermesh witheach other.

The median portion may optionally be devoid of pockets. In oneembodiment, the median portion is formed only of the second sheet. Inanother embodiment, the first portion and the second portion areinterconnected to the median portion such as by sewing or by amechanical fastener such as a staple or rivet. Optionally, the medianportion may be formed at least partially of the first sheet and thesecond sheet. In one embodiment, the median portion is thinner than thefirst and second portions. Additionally, a seam or crease may be formedalong a longitudinal axis of the median portion. The seam or crease mayimprove folding of the mat. Optionally, retention elements may be formedin the median portion. In one embodiment, the retention elementscomprise apertures formed through the median portion that facilitatefolding.

The mats of some embodiments of the present invention provide atemporary surface for vehicle use. The contemplated mats also helpprevent vehicles from carrying dirt and debris from job sites ontopublic road ways (such as, but not limited to, construction sites,parks, etc).

The mats may be constructed of a first piece and a second piece ofGeo-Textile material sewn together. Examples of Geo-Textile materialsthat can be used are provided below. Pockets (also known as “sleeves”)are provided between the upper and lower pieces at predeterminedintervals.

The mats may be of any size and shape. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the mats are about 12 feet wide by about 15 feet long.Approximately 2 inch wide pockets are provided between the Geo-Textilematerial layers about every 9 inches to 18 inches starting from one endat about 9 inches to 12 inches. Additionally or alternatively, each mattmay have a minimum of 8 pockets.

In one embodiment, the first and second portions of the mat form twotraction areas. The first and second portions are each about 4 feet wideby about 14 feet long. The median portion between the first and secondportions is about 1 foot to about 3 feet wide. In one embodiment, thefirst and second portions are separately formed and subsequently joinedto form the median portion. The median portion may accommodate a stitch,or other fastening means, so the first and second portions may beinterconnected. Further, the median portion, which is devoid of pocketsor sleeves, allows for mat folding.

An about 4 inch to 6 inch perimeter area may optionally be providedaround one or more peripheral edges of the mat. The perimeter areaprovides staking points to receive a fastener that can be driven intothe soil or other surface beneath the mad. Alternatively, the perimeterarea may accommodate grommets or folding tabs that receive stakes. Inone embodiment, the mat weighs between about 75 pounds and 85 pounds.More preferably, the mat weight about 80 pounds.

The pockets may be filled with recycled rubber. Preferably, the rubberis preferably at least about 90% free of steel and other textileproducts. In one embodiment of the present invention the rubberparticles are less than about 3/8 inch in diameter. Indeed, someembodiments of the present invention contemplate using fines in thepockets. The fill material may not be mixed with binding products and,thus, will be a loose agglomeration of material. One of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that other compliant or resilient materialsmay fill the pockets without departing from the scope invention. Forexample, in one embodiment, a glue or binding agent is mixed with theloose rubber particles.

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a mat for vehiclesincluding a plurality of ridges. The mat generally includes, but is notlimited to: (1) an area defined by a first sheet selectively joined to asecond sheet, the area having a predetermined length and width; (2)first pockets formed in a first portion of the area and second pocketsformed in a second portion of the area, each of the first and secondpockets defined by two generally parallel joints interconnecting thefirst sheet to the second sheet; (3) a filling member positionablewithin each of the first and second pockets, the filling membercomprising a first cylinder with a first bore and a second cylinderpositionable within the first bore; and (4) a median portion between thefirst and second portions, the median portion devoid of pockets suchthat the mat is foldable along a longitudinal axis of the median portionsuch that a first pocket of the first portion is arranged between twoadjacent pockets of the second portion. In one embodiment, the firstpockets alternate along the length of the area with the second pockets.Additionally or alternatively, the first pockets may be aligned at afirst angle with the length of the area and the second pockets may bealigned at a second angle with the length of the area. In oneembodiment, the first and second angles add up to about 180°.

Another aspect of the present invention is a mat for vehicles. The matgenerally comprises: (1) an area defined by a predetermined length andwidth, the area comprising a first portion, a median portion, and asecond portion; (2) pockets formed in the first and second portions; and(3) a filling member for the pockets, wherein the pockets have apredetermined orientation such that when the first portion is foldedproximate to the second portion, a first pocket of the first portioncontacts an area of the second portion between two adjacent pockets ofthe second portion. Optionally, first pockets of the first portionalternate width-wise with second pockets of the second portion.

In one embodiment, the pockets are substantially perpendicular tolongitudinal edges of the first and second portions. Alternatively, inanother embodiment, the pockets are transverse to longitudinal edges ofthe first and second portions.

In one embodiment, the filling material comprises a first cylinderconfigured to be positioned in a pocket. Optionally, the first cylindermay include a first bore. The filling material may further comprise asecond cylinder configured to be positioned in the first bore. In oneembodiment, the second cylinder includes a second bore. Alternatively,the second cylinder is devoid of a bore.

In another embodiment, the filling material comprises a rubber aggregateto be retained within a pocket. The rubber aggregate may compriserecycled tire rubber. In one embodiment, the rubber aggregate has anaverage particle size of less than about 3/8 inch in diameter.Optionally, a binding agent may be added to the rubber aggregate. Inanother embodiment, the rubber aggregate is devoid of binding agents.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and secondportions comprise a first sheet selectively joined to a second sheet.The median portion may comprise at least one of the first and secondsheets. In one embodiment, the first and second sheets comprise ageo-textile including a woven polypropylene material. The geo-textile ofthe first and second sheets may have a tensile strength of between about315 pounds by about 315 pounds to about 350 pounds by about 450 pounds.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method ofusing a mat to provide an operating surface for a vehicle. The methodgenerally includes, but is not limited to: (1) at least one of unfoldingthe mat and unrolling the mat; (2) placing the mat on a surface; (3)securing a fastener to the mat with one of the plurality of retentionelements; and (4) driving the fastener at least partially into thesurface. In one embodiment, the mat comprises: (a) an area defined by apredetermined length and width, the area comprising a first portion, amedian portion, and a second portion; (b) a plurality of retentionelements; (c) pockets formed in the first and second portions; and (d) afilling member positioned in the pockets. In one embodiment, the fillingmember comprises a first cylinder with a first bore and a secondcylinder positioned within the first bore.

In one embodiment, first pockets of the first portion form a first anglewith a first edge longitudinal edge of the mat. Second pockets of thesecond portion for a second angle with the first edge longitudinal edge.In another embodiment, the first and second angles are supplementaryangles.

As used herein, a “geo-textile” shall mean a permeable fabric which hasthe ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect or drain soil. Inone embodiment, the geo-textile material comprises one or more ofpolypropylene and polyester. The geo-textile material may be woven,needle punched, and/or heat bonded. In one embodiment, the geo-textileis a woven polypropylene material comprising heavy woven monofilamentand/or filibrated yarns. Optionally, the geo-textile material has atensile strength of at least about 315 pounds by about 315 pounds.Alternatively, the tensile strength is at least about 450 pounds byabout 350 pounds. In one embodiment, the geo-textile material is thesame as, or similar to, Geotex® 2x2HF produced by Propex™. In anotherembodiment, the geo-textile material is the same as, or similar to,Geotex® 3x3HF produced by Propex™. However, it will be appreciated byone of skill in the art that suitable geo-textile materials areavailable from a variety of sources.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein,are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, Band C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “oneor more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B andC together.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about.”

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more ofthat entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be usedinterchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.,Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means”shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and allof the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or actsand the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in theSummary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, DetailedDescription, Abstract, and Claims themselves.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended, nor should it beconstrued, as being representative of the full extent and scope of thepresent invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the presentinvention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certainembodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily beconstrued as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. Thepresent invention is set forth in various levels of detail in theSummary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and theDetailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the presentinvention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion ofelements or components. Additional aspects of the present invention willbecome more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularlywhen taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the Summary of the Invention given above and the DetailedDescription given below serve to explain the principles of theseembodiments. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficultto perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course,that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments illustrated herein. Additionally, it should be understoodthat the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a mat of an embodiment of thepresent invention in a position of use proximate to a boundary of aroad;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the mat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the mat of FIG. 1 illustrating anembodiment in which the mat is formed of a first sheet of materialselectively joined to a second sheet of material;

FIG. 4B is another front elevation view of a mat of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4C is still another front elevation view of another embodiment of amat of the present invention and also illustrating optional reinforcedlateral edges of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the mat of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 and illustrating pockets filledwith an inner cylinder positioned within a bore of an outer cylinderaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mat of another embodimentof the present invention illustrating pockets filled with a rubberaggregate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevation view of the mat of FIG. 1 wherein themat has been folded along a longitudinal axis;

FIG. 8 is a view of the mat of FIG. 1 in a position of use proximate toa vehicle; and

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a mat of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

Similar components and/or features may have the same reference number.Components of the same type may be distinguished by a letter followingthe reference number. If only the reference number is used, thedescription is applicable to any one of the similar components havingthe same reference number.

To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the presentinvention the following list of components and associated numberingfound in the drawings is provided herein:

# Component 2 Road 4 Road boundary 6 Curb 8 Sidewalk 10 Mat 12 Firstportion 14 Median portion 16 Second portion 18 Pocket opening 20 Pocketfilling 22 Pockets of first portion 24 Longitudinal edge of firstportion 26 Pockets of second portion 28 Longitudinal edge of secondportion 30 Longitudinal axis 32 Pocket length 34 Width of first andsecond portions 36 Length of mat 37 Width of mat 38 Width of medialportion 42 Reinforced portion 46 Reinforced portion 48 Width ofreinforced portions 50 Retention elements 51 Retention elements 52Fastener 54 First sheet 56 Second sheet 58 Joint or stitches 60 Medialedge of first portion 62 Medial edge of second portion 64 Reinforcedlateral edge of first portion 66 Reinforced lateral edge of secondportion 68 Pocket spacing 70 Pocket width 72 Inner cylinder 74 Optionalbore of inner cylinder 76 Outer cylinder 78 Bore of outer cylinder 80Rubber aggregate 82 Lateral extension 86 Lateral extension 88 Vehicle 90Vehicle tires 92 Tire width 94 Exterior tire width 96 Tire separationdistance 110 Mat 112 First portion 114 Median portion 116 Second portion122 Pockets of first portion 124 Longitudinal edge of first portion 126Pockets of second portion 128 Longitudinal edge of second portion 130Longitudinal axis 134 Width of first and second portions 136 Length ofmat 137 Width of mat 138 Width of medial portion 150 Retention elements151 Retention elements 158 Joint or stitches 168 Pocket spacing 170Pocket width 182 Lateral extension 186 Lateral extension

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrumof endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification andthe claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with thescope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what mightappear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referringto the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in thepertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, apreferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated forputting the invention into practice is described herein by, and withreference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of thespecification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail withoutattempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications inwhich the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodimentsdescribed herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to thoseskilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scopeand spirit of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a mat 10 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated. The mat 10 generally includes a firstportion 12 and a second portion 16 joined by a median portion 14.

The first and second portions 12, 16 include pockets or sleeves 22, 26.Each pocket 22, 26 includes at least one opening 18. In one embodiment,the openings 18 are positioned proximate to the longitudinal edges 24,28 of the first and second portions 12, 16. Alternatively, the openings18 are positioned proximate to the median portion 14. A predeterminedfilling 20 (described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 5-6) isinserted through the openings 18 and retained within an interior of thepockets 22, 26.

The pockets 22, 26 and filling 20 are configured to provide, or improve,traction to tires of a vehicle. For example, in one embodiment, thefilling 20 at least increases the thickness of the mat 10. Additionally,in one embodiment, the arrangement and orientation of the pockets 22, 26is selected to cause tires on a left side of a vehicle to contact thepockets 22 at a different time than the tires on a right side of thevehicle contact the pockets 26. The alternating contact of the lefttires with the pockets 22 and the right tires with the pockets 26 willcause the vehicle to shake or vibrate transverse to a direction oftravel of the vehicle. In this manner, foreign objects, such as dirt androcks, may be dislodged from the vehicle and fall onto the mat 10 beforethe vehicle enters an improved road 2. This may beneficially decreasethe amount or frequency of vehicle washing required for vehiclesoperating in roadless areas.

The mat 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 positioned proximate to a boundary 4of a road 2. In one implementation, the boundary is a concrete curb 6. Alongitudinal axis 30 of the mat 10 is preferably orientated generallyperpendicular to the boundary 4. Optionally, at least a portion of themat 10 may extend past the boundary 4. Accordingly, the mat 10 may bearranged to provide protection to surfaces, such as the curb 6, that arenot adapted to receive and support vehicle traffic. It will beappreciated that the mat 10 may be positioned proximate to otherstructures. For example, in FIG. 3, the mat 10 is illustrated positionedproximate to a sidewalk 8. Although only one mat 10 is illustrated inFIG. 1, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that aplurality of mats 10 may be aligned longitudinally to provide a largertemporary surface for vehicles.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the mat 10 also has a predetermined length 36.In one embodiment, the mat length 36 is between about 14 feet and about16 feet. More preferably, the mat length 36 is about 15 feet. In oneembodiment, the mat 10 has a width 37 of between about 10 feet to about15 feet. More preferably, the width 37 is about 12 feet.

The medial portion 14 may have any predetermined width 38. In oneembodiment, the medial width 38 is between about 4 inches and about 38inches. More preferably, the medial width 38 is about 36 inches.

In one embodiment, the pockets 22 of the first portion 12 alternatewidth-wise with the pockets 26 of the second portion 16. Accordingly, asdescribed in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 7, in one embodimentwhen the first portion 12 is folded along the longitudinal axis 30, theeach pocket 22 fits between adjacent pockets 26 of the second portion16. In this manner, the mat 10 can be folded to take up less spaceduring storage and handling.

The pockets 22, 26 may also have any predetermined orientation withrespect to the longitudinal edges 24, 28 of the first and secondportions 12, 16. In one embodiment, the pockets 22, 26 are substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal edges 24, 28.

The pockets 22, 26 may have any predetermined length 32. The length 32of the pockets 22, 26 may be substantially equal to, or greater than, awidth 34 of each of the first and second portions 12, 16. In oneembodiment, the length 32 of the pockets 22, 26 is about 36 inches.Optionally, the width 34 of portions 12, 16 is greater than 36 inches.In another embodiment, the width 34 is between about 32 inches and about72 inches.

In one embodiment, a portion 42, 46 of each of the first and secondportions 12, 16 is reinforced. The reinforced portions 42, 46 may beformed from additional layers of one or more of the first and secondsheets 54, 56 (described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 5). Thereinforced portions 42, 46 may be positioned in the first and secondportions 12, 16 to align with tires of a vehicle as described in moredetail in conjunction with FIG. 8. In embodiment, reinforced portions42, 46 of the first and second portions 12, 16 have a width 48 of about36 inches.

In one embodiment, retention elements 50 extend from one or moreportions of the mat 10. Fasteners 52, such as stakes or soil nails, maybe secured to the mat 10 by the retention element 50 and then driveninto the ground. In this manner, the retention elements 50 and fasteners52 prevent inadvertent or unintended movement of the mat 10, such aswhen vehicles drive over the mat 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, the first and second portions 12, 16 may beformed of a first sheet 54 of material interconnected to a second sheet56 of material at joints 58. The joints 58 have a predeterminedorientation. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, at least some of the joints 58form generally parallel lines that define the pockets 22, 26.

The joints 58 may be formed in any suitable manner. In one embodiment,the joints 58 comprise stitches of thread or wire sewn through the firstand second sheets 54, 56. However, other methods of forming the joints58 are contemplated. For example, in one embodiment the joints 58comprise one or more of rivets, staples, bolts, glue, and fabric welds.As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, fabric weldingincludes heat tape welding or using a welding tape to joint selectedportions of the first and second sheets 54, 56 together.

In one embodiment, the median portion 14 is devoid of pockets.Additionally, in one embodiment, the median portion 14 comprises onlythe second sheet 56.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, the median portion 14A may alternativelyinclude the first sheet 54. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the mat 10Agenerally comprises a generally continuous first sheet 54 selectivelyinterconnected to a generally continuous second sheet 56. Referring nowto FIG. 4C, in an optional embodiment, the mat 10B includes a firstportion 12B and a second portion 16B that are individually formed. Theindividual first and second portions 12B, 16B are subsequently joinedtogether along medial edges 60, 62 to form the mat 10B. Optionally, themedial edges 60, 62 may at least partially overlap to form the medialportion 14B.

Mats 10 of all embodiments of the present invention may also includereinforced lateral edges. Two embodiments of the optional reinforcededges 64, 66 are illustrated with the embodiment of mat 10B in FIG. 4C.The reinforced lateral edges 64, 66 are generally formed by provided oneor more additional layers of at least one of the first sheet 54 and thesecond sheet 56. For example, in one embodiment, reinforced lateral edge64 is formed folding at least one layer of the second sheet 56 over aportion of the first sheet 54. Additionally or alternatively, areinforced lateral edge 66 may be formed by folding at least one layerof the first sheet 54 around a portion of the second sheet 56.

Optionally, the materials of the first and second sheets 54, 56 may bethe same or different. For example, in one embodiment, the material ofthe first sheet 54 may be of a different type, thickness, and/or densitythan the material of the second sheet 56. In one embodiment, thematerial of at least one of the first and second sheets 54, 56 comprisesa geo-textile.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, the pockets 22, 26 are formed by the joints58 that selectively interconnect the first and second sheets 54, 56. Thepockets 22, 26 may have any predetermined spacing 68, width 70, andcross-sectional profile. In one embodiment, the pockets 22, 26 have aspacing 68 of from about 9 inches to about 18 inches. In anotherembodiment, the spacing 68 is selected such that each of the first andsecond portions 12, 16 include at least 8 pockets.

In one embodiment, the pocket width 70 is between about 2 inches andabout 6 inches. More preferably, the pocket width 70 is about 4 inches.In another embodiment, the pocket width 70 is about 4.5 inches. In oneembodiment, the pockets 22, 26 have a generally symmetriccross-sectional profile. Optionally, the cross-sectional profile in oneof circular and elliptical, but other cross-sectional profiles arecontemplated.

As previously described, filling 20 may be positioned within the pockets22, 26. In one embodiment, the filling 20 comprises an inner cylinder 72positioned within a bore 78 of an outer cylinder 76. The inner and outercylinders 72, 76 may comprise the same or different materials. In oneembodiment, the outer cylinder 76 has a thickness greater than the innercylinder 72. Optionally, in another embodiment, the pockets 22, 26 maybe filled with only one of the inner cylinder 72 and the outer cylinder76. Optionally, the openings are not sewn shut. In this manner, thefilling 20 of the pockets 22, 26 may be replaced or changed formaintenance or to alter the stiffness or rigidity of the filled pockets22, 26. Additionally, in one embodiment, the filling 20 may have alength that is greater than the length 32 of the pockets 22, 26.Accordingly, at least a portion of the filling 20 may extend at leastpartially from an opening 18 of a pocket 22, 26.

In one embodiment, the inner cylinder 72 comprises flexible tubing, suchas a flexible plastic hose. Optionally, the inner cylinder 72 mayinclude a hollow bore 74. The inner cylinder 72 with the bore 74 may beselected for use when a less rigid filling 20 is desired. Alternatively,the inner cylinder 72 may be generally solid without the bore.Accordingly, an inner cylinder 72 without the bore may form a portion ofthe filling 20 when a more rigid filled pocket 22, 26 is desired.

Additionally, the outer cylinder 76 may comprise a rubber material. Inone embodiment, the rubber material comprises recycled tire material.Optionally, the exterior diameter of the outer cylinder 76 is betweenabout 2.5 inches and about 3.5 inches. More preferably, the exteriordiameter is about 3 inches. Optionally, the pocket openings 18 are notsewn shut. In this manner, the filling 20 of the pockets 22, 26 may bereplaced or changed for maintenance or to alter the stiffness orrigidity of the filled pockets 22, 26.

Referring now to FIG. 6, pockets 22, 26 of the mat 10 may include afilling 20A of another embodiment. The filling 20A comprises rubberparticles or aggregate 80. In one embodiment, the aggregate 80 has anaverage diameter of less than about ⅜ inches. Preferably, the diameterof substantially all of the aggregate 80 is less than about ⅜ inches.Optionally, the aggregate 80 is loosely packed into the pockets 22, 26.In one embodiment, the aggregate 80 is not mixed with a binding materialor glue. Thus, the aggregate 80 may form a loose agglomeration ofmaterial. In this embodiment, the pocket openings 18 are sealed afterthe pockets 22, 26 are filled with the aggregate 80. Alternatively oradditionally, a glue or binding agent may be mixed with the aggregate80.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the pockets 22, 26 in all embodiments of thepresent invention may be staggered. Thus, when the first portion 12 isfolded into proximity with the second portion 16 along the longitudinalaxis, the pockets 22, 26 at least partially mesh together. Said anotherway, a pocket 22A of the first portion 12 generally contacts the firstsheet 54 of the second portion 16 between adjacent pockets 26A, 26B ofthe second portion 16. Thus, the mat 10 may be folded to decrease thewidth of the mat 10. Further, because of the alternating arrangement ofthe pockets 22, 26 the mat 10 has a decreased thickness when foldedcompared to a similar mat without the staggered pockets 22, 26.Optionally, after the mat 10 is folded, a user may roll the mat 10 fromone narrow end along the longitudinal axis toward the other narrow end.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a mat 10 of the present invention isillustrated with optional lateral extensions 82, 86 adjacent to thefirst and second portions 12, 16. The lateral extensions 82, 86 areoptionally formed of a different material or have a different thicknessthan the first and second portions 12, 16. Optionally, the lateralextensions 82, 86 may be integrally formed with the respective first andsecond portions 12, 16.

Optional retention elements 51 of another embodiment of the presentinvention are arranged in the extensions 82, 86. The retention elements51 may also be formed in the median portion 14. In one embodiment, theretention elements 51 of the median portion 14 are arranged such thatthey do not intersect the longitudinal axis 30. In this manner, themedian retention elements 51 do not interfere with folding of the mat 10along the longitudinal axis 30. The retention elements 51 are configuredto receive a fastener 52 (illustrated in FIG. 1). In one embodiment, theretention elements 51 comprise apertures through at least one of theextensions 82, 86 and the median portion 14. The apertures may include areinforced edge formed of additional seaming or a grommet interconnectedto the mat. The grommet may be formed on any material, including withoutlimitation metal, plastic, rubber, and wood. Retention elements 51 maybe used with, or instead of, retention elements 50.

The mat 10 is illustrated in a position of use proximate to a vehicle88. The first and second portions 12, 16 of the mat 10 generally alignwith tires 90 of the vehicle 88. More specifically, the width 34 of thefirst and second portions 12, 16 is at least equal to, and preferablygreater than, the width 92 of the vehicle tires 90. Additionally, themat width 37 is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, theexterior width 94 of the vehicle tires. Optionally, the width 38 of themedial portion 14 is less than an interior separation 96 of the vehicletires 88.

Optionally, in an embodiment, the first and second portions 12, 16 havea greater material thickness or more layers of material than the medialportion 14 to accommodate repeated contact by vehicle tires. This maydecrease the relative weight of the mat 10 compared to other knownsystems with a uniform thickness.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a mat 110 of another embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. The mat 110 is similar to the mat 10.Accordingly, the mat 110 is made of the same or similar materials andhas the same or similar dimensions 134, 136, 137, 138. Pockets 122, 126of the mat 110 may have the same spacing 168, width 170, and fill as thepockets 22, 26 of mat 10. However, the pockets 122, 126 have a differentorientation compared to the pockets of mat 10. More specifically, thepockets 122, 126 are aligned transverse to longitudinal edges 124, 128.Pockets 122 are aligned at a first angle with respect to longitudinaledge 124. Pockets 126 are aligned at a second angle with respect tolongitudinal edge 124. In one embodiment, the first and second anglesare supplementary angles. Accordingly, the sum of the first and secondangles is 180°. In this manner, when the mat 110 is folded alonglongitudinal axis 130, the pockets 122 will substantially align with aspace between adjacent pockets 126 similar to the folded mat 10illustrated in FIG. 7.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimiting of the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theembodiments described and shown in the figures were chosen and describedto best explain the principles of the invention, the practicalapplication, and to enable those of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the invention.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, referencesmade herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should beunderstood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention andshould not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to aparticular description. It is to be expressly understood that suchmodifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention, as set forth in the following claims. For example,aspects of the inventions disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,841, U.S.Pat. No. 5,653,551, U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,309, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2004/0005430, PCT Pub. No. WO 2001/092638, PCT Pub. No. WO 2006/002507,PCT Pub. No. WO 2007/072034, all of which are incorporated by referenceherein, may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mat for vehicles including a plurality of ridges, comprising: an area defined by a first sheet selectively joined to a second sheet, the area having a predetermined length and width; first pockets formed in a first portion of the area and second pockets formed in a second portion of the area, each of the first and second pockets defined by two generally parallel joints interconnecting the first sheet to the second sheet, wherein the first pockets alternate along the length of the area with the second pockets; a filling member positionable within each of the first and second pockets, the filling member comprising a first cylinder with a first bore and a second cylinder positionable within the first bore; and a median portion between the first and second portions, the median portion devoid of pockets, wherein the mat is foldable along a longitudinal axis of the median portion such that a first pocket of the first portion is arranged between two adjacent pockets of the second portion.
 2. The mat of claim 1, wherein the first pockets are aligned at a first angle with the length of the mat area and the second pockets are aligned at a second angle with the length of the mat area.
 3. A mat for vehicles, comprising: an area defined by a predetermined length and width, the area comprising a first portion, a median portion, and a second portion; pockets formed in the first and second portions; and a filling member for the pockets, wherein the pockets have a predetermined orientation such that when the first portion is folded proximate to the second portion, a first pocket of the first portion contacts an area of the second portion between two adjacent pockets of the second portion.
 4. The mat of claim 3, wherein the pockets are substantially perpendicular to longitudinal edges of the first and second portions.
 5. The mat of claim 3, wherein the pockets are transverse to longitudinal edges of the first and second portions.
 6. The mat of claim 3, wherein the filling material comprises a first cylinder configured to be positioned in a pocket.
 7. The mat of claim 6, wherein the first cylinder includes a first bore.
 8. The mat of claim 7, wherein the filling material further comprises a second cylinder configured to be positioned in the first bore.
 9. The mat of claim 8, wherein the second cylinder includes a second bore.
 10. The mat of claim 3, wherein the filling material comprises a rubber aggregate to be retained within a pocket.
 11. The mat of claim 10, wherein the rubber aggregate comprises recycled tire rubber.
 12. The mat of claim 10, wherein the rubber aggregate has an average particle size of less than about ⅜ inch in diameter.
 13. The mat of claim 12, wherein a binding agent is added to the rubber aggregate.
 14. The mat of claim 12, wherein the rubber aggregate is devoid of binding agents.
 15. The mat of claim 3, wherein the first and second portions comprise a first sheet selectively joined to a second sheet, and wherein the median portion comprises at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet.
 16. The mat of claim 15, wherein the first and second sheets comprise a geo-textile including a woven polypropylene material.
 17. The mat of claim 16, wherein the geo-textile of the first and second sheets has a tensile strength of between about 315 pounds by about 315 pounds to about 350 pounds by about 450 pounds.
 18. The mat of claim 3, wherein first pockets of the first portion alternate width-wise with second pockets of the second portion.
 19. A method of using a mat to provide an operating surface for a vehicle, comprising: at least one of unfolding the mat and unrolling the mat; placing the mat on a surface, the mat comprising: an area defined by a predetermined length and width, the area comprising a first portion, a median portion, and a second portion; a plurality of retention elements; pockets formed in the first and second portions; and a filling member for the pockets; securing a fastener to the mat with one of the plurality of retention elements; and driving the fastener at least partially into the surface.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein first pockets of the first portion form a first angle with a first edge longitudinal edge of the mat and second pockets of the second portion for a second angle with the first edge longitudinal edge, and wherein the first and second angles are supplementary angles. 